Biomedical subjects

William R Wagner

Publications and source records attributed to William R Wagner.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2007

Targeting microspheres and cells to polyethylene glycol-modified biological surfaces.

It has previously been demonstrated that damaged arterial tissue can be acutely modified with protein-reactive polyethylene glycol (PEG) to block undesirable platelet deposition. This concept might be expanded by employing PEG-biotin and its strong interaction with avidin for site-specific targeted delivery. Toward this end, cultured endothelial cells (ECs) were surface modified with PEG-biotin and the available biotin was quantified with flow cytometry. NeutrAvidin-coated microspheres and PEG-biotin modified ECs with NeutrAvidin as a bridging molecule were delivered under arterial shear stress to PEG-biotin modified ECs on a coverslip as well as scrape-damaged bovine carotid arteries. After incubation with a 10 mM solution for 1 min, 8 x 10(7) PEG-biotin molecules/EC were found and persisted for up to 120 h. Perfused microspheres adhered to NHS-PEG-biotin treated bovine carotid arteries with 60 +/- 16 microspheres/mm(2) versus 11 +/- 4 microspheres/mm(2) for control arteries (p < 0.015). Similarly, 22 +/- 5 targeted ECs/mm(2) adhered to NHS-PEG-biotin treated bovine carotid arteries versus 6 +/- 2 ECs/mm(2) for control arteries (p < 0.01). The targeting strategy demonstrated here might ultimately find application for drug delivery, gene therapy, or cell therapy where localization to specific labeled vascular regions is desired following catheter-based or surgical procedures.

Animals↗

PubMed2007

Myocardial ischemic memory imaging with molecular echocardiography.

BACKGROUND: Diagnosing acute coronary syndrome in patients presenting with chest discomfort is a challenge. Because acute myocardial ischemia/reperfusion is associated with endothelial upregulation of leukocyte adhesion molecules, which persist even after ischemia has resolved, we hypothesized that microbubbles designed to adhere to endothelial selectins would permit echocardiographic identification of recently ischemic myocardium. METHODS AND RESULTS: Lipid microbubbles (diameter, 3.3+/-1.7 microm) were synthesized. The selectin ligand sialyl Lewis(x) was conjugated to the microbubble surface (MB(sLex)). Control bubbles (MB(CTL)) bore surface Lewis(x) or sialyl Lewis(c). Intravital microscopy of mouse cremaster muscle was performed after intravenous injection of MB(sLex) (n=11) or MB(CTL) (n=9) with or without prior intrascrotal tumor necrosis factor-alpha. There was greater adhesion of MB(sLex) to inflamed versus noninflamed endothelium (P = 0.0081). Rats (n=12) underwent 15 minutes of anterior descending coronary artery occlusion. After 30 minutes and 1 hour of reperfusion, high-mechanical-index nonlinear echocardiographic imaging was performed in which single frames were acquired at 3.5 and 4 minutes after intravenous injection of MB(sLex) or MB(CTL). Video intensity at 4 minutes was subtracted from that at 3.5 minutes to derive target-specific acoustic signal. MB(sLex) caused greater opacification in postischemic versus nonischemic myocardium at both time points (P < or = 0.002). Immunostaining confirmed endothelial P-selectin expression in the ischemic bed. CONCLUSIONS: Echocardiographic identification of recently ischemic myocardium is possible using ultrasound contrast agents targeted to selectins. This may offer a new approach to the more timely and precise diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome in patients presenting with chest pain of uncertain cardiac origin.

Animals↗

PubMed2007

Preclinical biocompatibility assessment of the EVAHEART ventricular assist device: coating comparison and platelet activation.

Thromboembolism and bleeding remain significant complications of ventricular assist device (VAD) support. Increasing the amount of biocompatibility data collected during preclinical studies can provide additional criteria to evaluate device refinements, while design changes may be implemented before entering clinical use. Twenty bovines were implanted with the EVAHEART centrifugal VAD for durations from 30 to 196 days. Titanium alloy pumps were coated with either diamond-like carbon or 2-methoxyethyloylphosphoryl choline (MPC). Activated platelets and platelet microaggregates were quantified by flow cytometry, including two new assays to quantify bovine platelets expressing CD62P and CD63. Temporally, all assays were low preoperatively, then significantly increased following VAD implantation, before declining to a lower, but still elevated level over 2-3 weeks. MPC-coated VADs produced significantly fewer activated platelets after implant trauma effects diminished. Three animals receiving no postoperative anticoagulation had similar amounts of circulating activated platelets and platelet microaggregates as animals receiving warfarin anticoagulation. Two new methods to quantify bovine activated platelets using antibodies to CD62P and CD63 were characterized and applied. These measures, along with previously described assays, were able to differentiate between two biocompatible coatings and assess effects of anticoagulation regimen in VAD preclinical testing.

Animals↗

PubMed2006

A seeding device for tissue engineered tubular structures.

One of the challenges in the tissue engineering of tubular tissues and organs is the efficient seeding of porous scaffolds with the desired cell type and density in a short period of time, without affecting cell viability. Though different seeding techniques have been investigated, a fast, reproducible, and efficient bulk seeding method with uniform cellular distribution has yet to be reported. In this paper, a novel seeding device utilizing the synergistic effects of vacuum, centrifugal force and flow has been developed and analyzed. The device allows porous tubular scaffolds to be uniformly bulk seeded as well as luminally surface-seeded with cells. Porous tubular polymer scaffolds were bulk and surface-seeded with cell suspensions, and cell viability and seeding efficiency were subsequently assessed. A rigorous quantitative analysis of shear stresses acting on the cells during the seeding process, and of cell location within the scaffolds following seeding was also performed. Our results showed that the scaffolds were uniformly seeded along the longitudinal and circumferential directions within the tube wall without affecting cell viability or exposing them to excessive shear stresses.

Animals↗

PubMed2006

Design and analysis of tissue engineering scaffolds that mimic soft tissue mechanical anisotropy.

Tissue engineered constructs must exhibit tissue-like functional properties, including mechanical behavior comparable to the native tissues they are intended to replace. Moreover, the ability to reversibly undergo large strains can help to promote and guide tissue growth. Electrospun poly (ester urethane) ureas (ES-PEUU) are elastomeric and allow for the control of fiber diameter, porosity, and degradation rate. ES-PEUU scaffolds can be fabricated to have a well-aligned fiber network, which is important for applications involving mechanically anisotropic soft tissues. We have developed ES-PEUU scaffolds under variable speed conditions and modeled the effects of fiber orientation on the macro-mechanical properties of the scaffold. To illustrate the ability to simulate native tissue mechanical behavior, we demonstrated that the high velocity spun scaffolds exhibited highly anisotropic mechanical properties closely resembling the native pulmonary heart valve leaflet. Moreover, use of the present fiber-level structural constitutive model allows for the determination of electrospinning conditions to tailor ES-PEUU scaffolds for specific soft tissue applications. The results of this study will help to provide the basis for rationally designed mechanically anisotropic soft tissue engineered implants.

Anisotropy↗

PubMed2006

Characterizing the modification of surface proteins with poly(ethylene glycol) to interrupt platelet adhesion.

Surface protein modification with poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) can inhibit acute thrombosis on damaged vascular and biomaterial surfaces by blocking surface protein-platelet interactions. However, the feasibility of employing protein reactive PEGs to limit intravascular and biomaterial thrombosis in vivo is contingent upon rapid and extensive surface protein modification. To characterize the factors controlling this potential therapeutic approach, the model protein bovine serum albumin was adsorbed onto polyurethane surfaces and modified with PEG-carboxymethyl succinimidyl ester (PEG-NHS), PEG-isocyanate (PEG-ISO), or PEG-diisocyanate (PEG-DISO) in aqueous buffer at varying concentrations and contact times. It was found that up to 5 PEGs could be attached per albumin molecule within one min and that adsorbed albumin PEGylation approached maximal levels by 6min. The lability of reactive PEGs in aqueous buffer reduced total protein modification by 50% when the PEG solution was incubated for 7min prior to application. For fibrinogen PEGylation (performed in the solution phase), PEG-NHS was more reactive than PEG-ISO or PEG-DISO. The gamma peptide of fibrinogen, which contains several key platelet-binding motifs, was highly modified. A marked reduction in platelet adhesion was observed on fibrinogen-adsorbed polyurethane treated with PEG-NHS or PEG-DISO. Relative differences in platelet adhesion on PEG-NHS and PEG-DISO modified surfaces could be attributed to differences in reactivity towards fibrinogen and the size of the polymer backbone. Taken together, these findings provide insight and guidance for applying protein reactive PEGs for the interruption of acute thrombotic deposition.

Animals↗

PubMed2006

The PediaFlow pediatric ventricular assist device.

The very limited options available to treat ventricular failure in patients with congenital and acquired heart diseases have motivated the development of a pediatric ventricular assist device (VAD). Our effort involves a consortium consisting of the University of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon University, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, World Heart Corporation, and LaunchPoint Technologies, LLC. The overall aim of our program is to develop a highly reliable, biocompatible VAD for chronic support (6 months) of the unique and high-risk population of children between 3 kg and 15 kg (patients from birth to 2 years of age). The innovative pediatric VAD we are developing (PediaFlow) is based on a miniature mixed-flow turbodynamic pump featuring magnetic levitation, with the design goal being to assure minimal blood trauma and risk of thrombosis. This article discusses the limitations of current pediatric cardiac assist treatment options and the work to date by our consortium toward the development of a pediatric VAD.

Biocompatible Materials↗

PubMed2006

Blood biocompatibility assessment of an intravenous gas exchange device.

To treat acute lung failure, an intravenous membrane gas exchange device, the Hattler Catheter, is currently under development. Several methods were employed to evaluate the biocompatibility of the device during preclinical testing in bovines, and potential coatings for the fibers comprising the device were screened for their effectiveness in reducing thrombus deposition in vitro. Flow cytometric analysis demonstrated that the device had the capacity to activate platelets as evidenced by significant increases in circulating platelet microaggregates and activated platelets. Thrombus was observed on 20 +/- 6% of the surface area of devices implanted for up to 53 h. Adding aspirin to the antithrombotic therapy permitted two devices to remain implanted up to 96 h with reduced platelet activation and only 3% of the surface covered with thrombus. The application of heparin-based coatings significantly reduced thrombus deposition in vitro. The results suggest that with the use of appropriate antithrombotic therapies and surface coatings the Hattler Catheter might successfully provide support for acute lung failure without thrombotic complications.

Animals↗

PubMed2006

Towards the development of a pediatric ventricular assist device.

The very limited options available to treat ventricular failure in children with congenital and acquired heart diseases have motivated the development of a pediatric ventricular assist device at the University of Pittsburgh (UoP) and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC). Our effort involves a consortium consisting of UoP, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh (CHP), Carnegie Mellon University, World Heart Corporation, and LaunchPoint Technologies, Inc. The overall aim of our program is to develop a highly reliable, biocompatible ventricular assist device (VAD) for chronic support (6 months) of the unique and high-risk population of children between 3 and 15 kg (patients from birth to 2 years of age). The innovative pediatric ventricular assist device we are developing is based on a miniature mixed flow turbodynamic pump featuring magnetic levitation, to assure minimal blood trauma and risk of thrombosis. This review article discusses the limitations of current pediatric cardiac assist treatment options and the work to date by our consortium toward the development of a pediatric VAD.

Biocompatible Materials↗

PubMed2006

Development of composite porous scaffolds based on collagen and biodegradable poly(ester urethane)urea.

Our objective in this work was to develop a flexible, biodegradable scaffold for cell transplantation that would incorporate a synthetic component for strength and flexibility and type I collagen for enzymatic lability and cytocompatibility. A biodegradable poly(ester urethane)urea was synthesized from poly(caprolactone), 1,4-diisocyanatobutane, and putrescine. Using a thermally induced phase separation process, porous scaffolds were created from a mixture containing this polyurethane and 0%, 10%, 20%, or 30% type I collagen. The resulting scaffolds were found to have open, interconnected pores (from 7 to >100 um) and porosities from 58% to 86% depending on the polyurethane/collagen ratio. The scaffolds were also flexible with breaking strains of 82-443% and tensile strengths of 0.97-4.11 MPa depending on preparation conditions. Scaffold degradation was significantly increased when collagenase was introduced into an incubating buffer in a manner that was dependent on the mass fraction of collagen present in the scaffold. Mass losses could be varied from 15% to 59% over 8 weeks. When culturing umbilical artery smooth muscle cells on these scaffolds higher cell numbers were observed over a 4-week culture period in scaffolds containing collagen. In summary, a strong and flexible scaffold system has been developed that can degrade by both hydrolysis and collagenase degradation pathways, as well as support cell growth. This scaffold possesses properties that would make it attractive for future use in soft tissue applications where such mechanical and biological features would be advantageous.

Animals↗

PubMed2005

Targeted ultrasound contrast agents: in vitro assessment of endothelial dysfunction and multi-targeting to ICAM-1 and sialyl Lewisx.

An ultrasound-based molecular imaging technique capable of detecting endothelial cell markers of inflammation may allow early, non-invasive assessment of vascular disease. Clinical application of targeted, acoustically-active microbubbles requires optimization of microbubble-endothelial adhesion strength to maximize image signal-to-noise ratio, as well as the ability to discern the degree of inflammation along a continuum of dysfunction. Accordingly, we hypothesized that adhesion of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1)-targeted microbubbles is dependent on the degree of endothelial inflammation, and that microbubbles multi-targeted to both ICAM-1 (via anti-ICAM-1 antibodies) and selectins (via sialyl Lewisx) demonstrate greater adhesion strength than microbubbles targeted to either inflammatory marker alone. In a radial flow chamber, microbubbles were perfused across endothelial cells activated with interleukin-1beta to four different levels of inflammation, as assessed by quantitative ICAM-1 expression. ICAM-1-targeted microbubble adhesion strength increased with increasing degree of inflammation, with a relationship that was both positive and linear (r > 0.99). Microbubble adhesion strength was significantly higher for the multi-targeted microbubbles than either of the single-targeted microbubbles. These data thus demonstrate that multi-targeting of contrast microbubbles may offer improved adhesion characteristics, allowing for greater sensitivity to inflammation. Furthermore, the adhesion strength of targeted microbubbles is linearly dependent on the degree of inflammation, suggesting that targeted ultrasound imaging may offer differentiation between various degrees of endothelial dysfunction, and thus detect not only the presence, but also the severity of inflammatory disease processes.

Biomarkers↗

PubMed2005

Microintegrating smooth muscle cells into a biodegradable, elastomeric fiber matrix.

Electrospinning permits fabrication of biodegradable elastomers into matrices that can resemble the scale and mechanical behavior of the native extracellular matrix. However, achieving high-cellular density and infiltration with this technique remains challenging and time consuming. We have overcome this limitation by electrospraying vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs) concurrently with electrospinning a biodegradable, elastomeric poly(ester urethane)urea (PEUU). Trypan blue staining revealed no significant decrease in cell viability from the fabrication process and electrosprayed SMCs spread and proliferated similar to control unprocessed SMCs. The resulting SMC microintegrated PEUU constructs were cultured under static conditions or transmural perfusion. Higher cell numbers resulted with perfusion culture with 131% and 98% more viable cells versus static culture at days 4 and 7 (p<0.05). Fluorescent imaging and hematoxylin and eosin staining further illustrated high cell densities integrated between the elastomeric fibers after perfusion culture. SMC microintegrated PEUU was strong, flexible and anisotropic with tensile strengths ranging from 2.0 to 6.5 MPa and breaking strains from 850 to 1,700% dependent on the material axis. The ability to microintegrate smooth muscle or other cell types into a biodegradable elastomer fiber matrix embodies a novel tissue engineering approach that could be applied to fabricate high cell density elastic tissue mimetics, blood vessels or other cardiovascular tissues.

Absorbable Implants↗

PubMed2005

Ultrasonic imaging of tumor angiogenesis using contrast microbubbles targeted via the tumor-binding peptide arginine-arginine-leucine.

Endothelial cells (EC) of angiogenic tumor vasculature are characterized by altered expression of molecular markers on their surface. Numerous peptides have been identified that specifically bind tumor angiogenic endothelium, including the tripeptide arginine-arginine-leucine (RRL). We hypothesized that ultrasound contrast microbubbles (MB) targeted via linkage with RRL would specifically adhere to tumor angiogenic endothelium versus normal myocardium, and that this selective adhesion could be detected ultrasonically. Microbubbles were conjugated to cyclic peptides containing either RRL (RRL-MB) or a glycine control sequence (control-MB). As measured in a parallel plate flow chamber, in vitro adhesion of RRL-MBs was three times greater to cultured tumor-derived ECs than to normal ECs (P < 0.01), demonstrating selective binding of RRL-MBs to tumor endothelium. Mice bearing s.c. Clone C or PC3 tumors were given i.v. injections of fluorescent RRL to show in vivo localization to tumor vasculature or were ultrasonically imaged following i.v. injections of targeted contrast MBs. Ultrasound images showed strong RRL-MB contrast enhancement within the tumors but not the control tissue myocardium. Control-MBs caused minimal enhancement in either tissue. Quantitative acoustic videointensity was significantly greater for the tumors than the hearts (5 +/- 1 versus 0.5 +/- 1 intensity units; P = 0.001). These data show that ultrasound contrast MBs targeted to tumor vasculature via RRL preferentially adhere to tumor versus normal vasculature and that this selective adherence can be detected with ultrasound. Targeted microbubbles may thus offer a noninvasive contrast-enhanced ultrasound imaging technique for the functional imaging of tumor neovascularization, and may have further implications for therapeutic tumor targeting.

Animals↗

PubMed2005

Preparation and characterization of highly porous, biodegradable polyurethane scaffolds for soft tissue applications.

In the engineering of soft tissues, scaffolds with high elastance and strength coupled with controllable biodegradable properties are necessary. To fulfill such design criteria we have previously synthesized two kinds of biodegradable polyurethaneureas, namely poly(ester urethane)urea (PEUU) and poly(ether ester urethane)urea (PEEUU) from polycaprolactone, polycaprolactone-b-polyethylene glycol-b-polycaprolactone, 1,4-diisocyanatobutane and putrescine. PEUU and PEEUU were further fabricated into scaffolds by thermally induced phase separation using dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) as a solvent. The effect of polymer solution concentration, quenching temperature and polymer type on pore morphology and porosity was investigated. Scaffolds were obtained with open and interconnected pores having sizes ranging from several mum to more than 150 microm and porosities of 80-97%. By changing the polymer solution concentration or quenching temperature, scaffolds with random or oriented tubular pores could be obtained. The PEUU scaffolds were flexible with breaking strains of 214% and higher, and tensile strengths of approximately 1.0 MPa, whereas the PEEUU scaffolds generally had lower strengths and breaking strains. Scaffold degradation in aqueous buffer was related to the porosity and polymer hydrophilicity. Smooth muscle cells were filtration seeded in the scaffolds and it was shown that both scaffolds supported cell adhesion and growth, with smooth muscle cells growing more extensively in the PEEUU scaffold. These biodegradable and flexible scaffolds demonstrate potential for future application as cell scaffolds in cardiovascular tissue engineering or other soft tissue applications.

Absorbable Implants↗

PubMed2005

Design optimization of blood shearing instrument by computational fluid dynamics.

Rational design of blood-wetted devices requires a careful consideration of shear-induced trauma and activation of blood elements. Critical levels of shear exposure may be established in vitro through the use of devices specifically designed to prescribe both the magnitude and duration of shear exposure. However, it is exceptionally difficult to create a homogeneous shear-exposure history by conventional means. This study was undertaken to develop a Blood Shearing Instrument (BSI) with an optimized flow path which localized shear exposure within a rotating outer ring and a stationary conical spindle. By adjustment of the rotational speed and the gap dimension, the BSI is designed to generate shear stress magnitudes up to 1500 Pa for exposure time between 0.0015 and 0.20 s with a pressure drop of 100 mm Hg. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) revealed that a flow path designed by first-order analysis and intuition exhibited unfavorable pressure gradient, vortices, and undesirable regions of reverse flow. An optimized design was evolved utilizing a parameterized geometric model and automatic mesh generation to eliminate vortices and reversal flow and to avoid unfavorable pressure gradients. Analysis of the flow and shear fields for the extreme limits of the shear gap demonstrated an improvement in homogeneity due to shape optimization and the limitations of an annular shear device for achieving completely uniform shear exposure.

Algorithms↗

PubMed2004

Fabrication of biodegradable elastomeric scaffolds with sub-micron morphologies.

The native extracellular matrix (ECM) of elastic tissues is strong and flexible and supports cell adhesion and enzymatic matrix remodeling. In an attempt to convey these ECM properties to a synthetic scaffold appropriate for soft tissue engineering applications, a biodegradable, elastomeric poly(ester urethane)urea (PEUU) was combined with type I collagen at various ratios (2.5, 5, 10, 20, 50, 60, 70, 80, and 90 wt% collagen) and electrospun to construct elastic matrices. Randomly orientated fibers in the electrospun matrices ranged in diameter from 100-900 nm, dependent on initial polymer concentration. Picrosirius red staining of matrices and CD spectroscopy of released collagen confirmed collagen incorporation and preservation of collagen structure at the higher collagen mass fractions. Matrices were strong and distensible possessing strengths of 2-13 MPa with breaking strains of 160-280% even with low PEUU content. Collagen incorporation significantly enhanced smooth muscle cell adhesion onto electrospun scaffolds. An approach has been demonstrated that mimics elastic extracellular matrices by using a synthetic component to provide mechanical function together with a biomacromolecule, collagen. Such matrices may find application in engineering soft tissue.

Absorbable Implants↗

PubMed2004

Targeted ultrasound imaging using microbubbles.

Targeted ultrasound imaging uses acoustically active contrast agents bearing a ligand on the surface that binds to a function-specific molecule. These ultrasound contrast agents are typically gas-filled microbubbles, nongaseous liposomes, or lipid-encapsulated perfluorocarbon emulsions. Binding of the contrast agent to the target results in persistent contrast enhancement during ultrasound imaging. This approach has been applied to the ultrasound imaging of pathophysiologic processes such as inflammation associated with ischemia reperfusion, heart transplant rejection, atherosclerotic plaque, thrombus, and apoptosis.

Animals↗

PubMed2004

Biodegradable poly(ether ester urethane)urea elastomers based on poly(ether ester) triblock copolymers and putrescine: synthesis, characterization and cytocompatibility.

Polymers with elastomeric mechanical properties, tunable biodegradation properties and cytocompatibility would be desirable for numerous biomedical applications. Toward this end a series of biodegradable poly(ether ester urethane)urea elastomers (PEEUUs) based on poly(ether ester) triblock copolymers were synthesized and characterized. Poly(ether ester) triblock copolymers were synthesized by ring-opening polymerization of epsilon-caprolactone with polyethylene glycol (PEG). PEEUUs were synthesized from these triblock copolymers and butyl diisocyanate, with putrescine as a chain extender. PEEUUs exhibited low glass transition temperatures and possessed tensile strengths ranging from 8 to 20MPa and breaking strains from 325% to 560%. Increasing PEG length or decreasing poly(caprolactone) length in the triblock segment increased PEEUU water absorption and biodegradation rate. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells cultured in a medium supplemented with PEEUU biodegradation solution suggested a lack of degradation product cytotoxicity. Endothelial cell adhesion to PEEUUs was less than 60% of tissue culture polystyrene and was inversely related to PEEUU hydrophilicity. Surface modification of PEEUUs with ammonia gas radio-frequency glow discharge and subsequent immobilization of the cell adhesion peptide Arg-Gly-Asp-Ser increased endothelial adhesion to a level equivalent to tissue culture polystyrene. These biodegradable PEEUUs thus possessed properties that would be amenable to applications where high strength and flexibility would be desirable and exhibited the potential for tuning with appropriate triblock segment selection and surface modification.

Absorbable Implants↗